The Carolina Hurricanes wrapped up the Eastern Conference with a 6-1 win over Montreal in Game 5 on Friday, punching the ir ticket to the Stanley Cup Final where the y'll meet the Vegas Golden Knights.
Carolina's defense has been the anchor of the ir run—allowing just 21 goals across 13 postseason games while posting a 12-1 record. Frederik And ersen enters the Final as the leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy, and it's not difficult to see why when the numbers speak that clearly.
Vegas made equally quick work of the West, sweeping Colorado in four straight. Mitch Marner has amassed 21 playoff points, shaking off whatever ghosts followed him from earlier postseason exits. Carter Hart has given the Golden Knights the kind of goaltending that turns a competitive series into a short one.
A final between the NHL's two stingiest groups
The matchup pairs the two best defensive teams in the league this postseason, which means neither side will find easy shortcuts to the net. Goals will come at a premium, and whoever breaks through first often decides the outcome in the se grinding series.
This still leaves the Hurricanes as slight favorites given the ir scoring depth and And ersen's form, though Vegas has shown the y're capable of answering every push so far.
Schedule
Game 1: Tuesday, June 2 | Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 2: Thursday, June 4 | Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 3: Saturday, June 6 | Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
Game 4: Tuesday, June 9 | Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 5: Thursday, June 11 | Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 6: Sunday, June 14 | Vegas | 8 p.m. | ABC
*Game 7: Wednesday, June 17 | Carolina | 8 p.m. | ABC
*If necessary